THE MARGULIS SOCIETY was created in 1991 as a fund-raising organization of UCSF Radiology alumni and faculty. The Society lends financial support to many aspects of the Department's residency teaching programs while fostering a continuing relationship among alumni, present trainees and the radiology faculty. The Margulis Society was named for Alexander R. Margulis, MD, former chairman of the Department, in recognition of his many years of leadership and innovation at UCSF.

Since its inception, the Margulis Society has grown substantially and its role in underwriting the radiology training program has become firmly established. The primary source of funds for this effort has been the yearly donations of Margulis Society members and the Society's Annual Gala, a lively fund-raiser held at different San Francisco landmarks each year. The Gala has become a very popular alumni event, drawing former trainees from across the country. In 2008, the Gala will be held as a part of Homecoming Weekend and will take place on Saturday, April 26 at the Olympic Club in downtown San Francisco, California.

The Society underwrites most of the registration fees, travel and housing costs required for UCSF residents to attend courses at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, D.C., during elective training months. In past years, additional special projects have received underwriting, including substantial donations of textbooks, teaching materials, audiovisual and computer equipment for the libraries and learning centers of Moffitt-Long and San Francisco General Hospitals.

Each June, the Society presents the Margulis Society Outstanding Resident Research Award at Resident Commencement. This award honors a resident who excelled in research during their years in the Radiology Residency Program. The 2007 awardee was Z. Jane Wang, MD; now a fellow in the Abodominal Imaging Section of the Department of Radiology.

The Margulis Society's Seventh Annual Career Conference for Residents and Fellows is held each October at the Faculty Alumni House, UCSF. A variety of speakers are present to discuss their own careers and to enjoy a dialog with residents and fellows attending the evening event. Panelists at the October 25, 2007 Career Conference included Jeffrey Dieden, MD; Camilla Lindan, MD; Myrtha Cesar, MD; Erik H.L. Gaensler, MD; Donna Hoghooghi, MD; David E. Avrin, MD, PhD; Aliya Qayyum, MBBS; and Britta Gooding, MD.

As always, we welcome your participation at future Margulis Society events!